DES MOINES, Iowa  —  A Des Moines man shot-and-killed a dog after it attacked him and his dog this morning, according to Des Moines Police.

It happened around 6:30 this morning near 1921 E. 27th Street.  Police say Michael Hager was just returning home from walking his dog when two large dogs which he described as pit bulls.  Hager says he picked up his dog and tried to carry it inside but one of the other dogs attacked, biting his arm and then attacking his dog.  Hager says he fought to pull his dog free then took it into his home and grabbed a 9mm pistol.

When he went back outside he found the dog trying to jump the fence into his yard.  He says he fired one shot, hitting the dog in the head and killing it.

A short time later a police officer found a man who was looking for a lost dog which he described as a mastiff.  He told officers the dog that attacked Hager sounded like another dog that he owned.  He met with officers at the scene of the attack and identified the dog as his.

Hager suffered bite wounds to his arm.  Police believe his dog will have to be put down due to its injuries.

The Animal Rescue League is now investigating the case.